Laiwu, China

Forget the glossy tourist brochures - with a population of over 1.2 million, Laiwu is a bustling industrial city, not a quaint backwater. The small prefecture-level city was recently absorbed into the provincial capital of Jinan, indicating its role as a functional workhorse rather than a scenic destination. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city formerly divided into two districts and 19 smaller administrative units.

While Laiwu may not be a glamorous choice, it could appeal to those seeking affordable living and proximity to job opportunities in the Shandong region. Just don't expect the laidback charms of a smaller Chinese town.